ROCHDALE Council has received praise for the way it governs Heywood and other parts of the borough.

The assessment, by local government experts, found that the council had made good progress in improving the way it operates over the last two years. But they said changes need to be made to improve communication within and outside the council and a greater focus is needed on turning words into action and better prioritising of resources.

Councillors were advised to scrutinise the council's work more and make sure resources were directed to priorities outlined in the budget strategy. The inspection team, made up of senior council officers and a leading councillor, was invited as part of a local government improvement programme run by the Improvement and Development Agency.

They were very impressed with the quality, commitment and enthusiasm of the many staff they met, echoing their original verdict in 2001.

Picked out for particular praise were the creation of the local strategic partnership and the publication of its community strategy, Pride of Place, to guide work in the borough for the next 20 years. Also on the list were the council's five-year action plan, Aiming High, the introduction of a performance management framework and the council's new management structure and political management arrangements to help change the culture of the organisation.

"Once again the team has given us a mixture of praise and encouragement to do better," said council leader Peter Roberts. I am particularly pleased that after all the huge changes that have been taking place, the team found that council staff were enthusiastic and committed to their work."